LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.

[Source: NADAguides.com]

PRESS RELEASE

Kia Motors' Newest Compact Sedan and Koup Take Top Prize for Style, Value and Fuel Efficiency

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- NADAguides.com, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, today announced the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan and its two-door brethren have been awarded the NADAguides.com Car of the Year. During a standing-room-only press conference at the 2009 Los Angeles International Auto Show where Kia announced its all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, NADAguides.com shared in Kia Motors' excitement naming the 2010 Kia Forte/Forte Koup its Car of the Year for 2009. Though the competition in this segment is strong, the Forte was the stand-alone top contender with a long list of "Best in Class" features and stylish design both inside and out, making it NADAguides.com's Car of the Year.

"Our editorial team realized the moment we got behind the wheel of the Forte that it would be a top contender for our NADAguides.com Car of the Year, but it wasn't until we extensively drove the sporty four-door sedan and the two-door coupe that it solidified our decision," said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com auto expert and spokesperson. "2009 marked many great new entries in the auto industry. With cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster coming in closely behind the Kia Forte, it made our decision difficult, but when you add up the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, it made our decision to award the Forte much easier."

For complete 2010 Kia Forte/Forte Koup pricing and information, please visit NADAguides.com. For the complete video review and image gallery, click on the below link: http://www.nadaguides.com/Garage-Blog/NADAGUIDESCOM-AWARDS-2010-KIA-FORTE-CAR-OF-THE-MONTHe2809d-FOR-AUGUST.aspx.